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Review
. 2021;23(10):15.
doi: 10.1007/s11908-021-00759-w. Epub 2021 Aug 18.

Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Window of Opportunity

Mariam Assi  1 , Salma Abbas  2 , Priya Nori  3 , Michelle Doll  4 , Emily Godbout  4 , Gonzalo Bearman  4 , Michael P Stevens  4
Affiliations
Review

Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Window of Opportunity

Mariam Assi et al. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2021.

Abstract

Purpose of review: We describe the similarities between antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and infection prevention programs (IPPs), and we discuss how these similarities lend themselves to synergy between programs. We also discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has generated further opportunities for future collaborations that could benefit both programs.

Recent findings: The COVID-19 pandemic has created new needs, such as real-time data and access to personnel important to both programs, such as information technologists and infectious diseases specialists. It has also increased concerns about rising rates of antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections, both of which overlap significantly and are key focus areas for both ASPs and IPPs. These emergent issues have highlighted the need for enhanced program infrastructure and new team models. The shift towards telecommunication and telework has facilitated the creation of enhanced infrastructures for collaboration on activities ranging from data access and reporting to providing telehealth services to remote hospitals. These enhanced infrastructures can be leveraged in future collaborative efforts between ASPs and IPPs.

Summary: Collaboration between IPPs and ASPs can mitigate setbacks experienced by health systems during the current pandemic, enhance the performance of both programs in the post-pandemic era and increase their preparedness for future pandemic threats. As health systems plan for the post-pandemic era, they should invest in opportunities for synergy between ASPs and IPPs highlighted during the pandemic.

Keywords: Antimicrobial stewardship; COVID-19; Coronavirus disease 2019; Infection prevention; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestMariam Assi, Salma Abbas, Priya Nori, Michelle Doll, Emily Godbout, Gonzalo Bearman, and Michael P. Stevens declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
ASPs and IPPs overlap in their goals, infrastructure, strategies and metrics
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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